Golf Club Could Close Down After Repeated Vandalism

A golf club in Bolton says it could have to shut down because of over £10,000-worth of damage caused by repeated vandalism.

Great Lever and Farnworth Golf Club has been targeted by gangs of youths who have damaged large areas of the course and intimidated members, so that, as well as an almost unaffordable repairs bill, at least 30 members now refuse to play at the club.

Club captain Tom Walls told The Bolton News: “It is horrendous and everyone is so fed up of it. It has got worse and worse since the lockdown. All the damage caused has cost the club over £10,000 to repair. It is coming to a position if it carries on much longer that we are going to have to close the club. We have got 10 members of staff and they could lose their livelihoods. 

“Most of the damage is being done on the bottom field where there are four holes, and 30 members are refusing to play there because they are getting intimidated that much. The lady members are terrified of playing there. It has got to the point where we are losing members because of it. As a golfer and a captain of the club it is soul-destroying.”

Among the acts of vandalism reported by the club, a wheelie bin was set alight and put on the course before it melted into the surface.

The vandals have also torn out the club’s irrigation system, while around 40 holes’ flags are estimated to have been destroyed since March. 

Large amounts of litter have been dumped on the course, including drug snap bags, laughing gas cannisters and beer cans. 

Members are playing elsewhere and visitors asking for refunds because of abuse and thugs picking up their balls during their rounds, particularly at the bottom field area of the course.

The club is awaiting a government coronavirus grant to help them cope.

It has reported the vandalism to the police.